How long-suffering Superjet can get a second chance

20 May 2020 14

The coronavirus pandemic dealt a painful blow to the air transport sector. Passenger traffic has fallen sharply and it is not known when it will fully recover. Apparently, large long-haul airliners will fly with a "underload" for a long time to come. Already, it is clear that “not only all” airlines will survive the crisis without state support.

Circumstances are now developing in such a way that our long-suffering Superjet has certain chances to become more in demand.

The numerous problems of this aircraft have long been known. The main one is that the developers are too keen on imported components, in fact, turning the liner into a "designer". Gradually, the task of import substitution is being solved, but the most serious one remains - with power plants. Especially for this project, the French company Safran developed the SaM146 turbofan engine, which is nowhere used except for the Superjet. A joint venture was created with UEC-Saturn in Rybink, where Europeans account for the so-called “hot part” of the engine.

However, for some reason, all the problems with the operation of liners of this type arise precisely with French aircraft engines. Constantly fixed marriage and other design flaws. Because of this, Superjet engines have to be sent for overhaul every 2-4 thousand flight hours. At the same time, difficulties often arise with the timely delivery of components from France. As a result, the average flight time for domestic airliners is 3,6 hours, for Brazilian Embraer - 6 hours, for Boeing and Airbas - 10 hours. In earlier times, something like this would be called sabotage and those involved in it would be put to the wall.

Now other times and problems are being solved differently. In Russia, a modern aircraft engine PD-14 has been developed for the promising airliner MS-21. An experimental series of engines was transferred to the Irkut Corporation, where it showed itself well. It is reported that mass production of the power unit has already begun. On its basis for the "Superjet" it is planned to create a less powerful PD-10 power plant. The appearance of a new aircraft engine is expected by 2022. This will help to solve the problem with the reliability of the operation of Russian airliners. In addition, PD-10 can be installed on Russian Be-200 amphibious aircraft, about which we detail told earlier.

Until then, the Superjet will have to exist with the active support of the state. Rostec Corporation is currently installing “mid-haul liners” on a “voluntary basis” at Red Wings. President Vladimir Putin has proposed introducing subsidies to reduce flight hours for SuperJet owners:

I propose launching a new program to support leasing and operation of Russian aircraft. To this end, for 2020−2021 provide leasing companies with state guarantees.

It must be assumed that air carriers certainly will not give up state support measures in such a difficult time. “Superjet” began very difficult, but in the medium term has a chance to occupy its niche. Despite the financial losses under the project, there is a silver lining: in Russia, own aircraft engines began to appear and the production of components for aircraft began.

Let's hope this technological the reserve will be rationally used already in future developments.

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Sergey Latyshev

-3

20 May 2020 10: 40

Especially for this project, the French company Safran developed the SaM146 turbofan engine, which is no longer used anywhere except the Superjet. A joint venture was created with UEC-Saturn in Rybink, where Europeans account for the so-called “hot part” of the engine.

But they washed the dough, and the "no-analogue world" for sure. Few aircraft engines are produced in the world, one must be sure, and then another one must be developed ...
1. Marzhecki
  
  +2
  
  20 May 2020 11: 36
  
  Quote: Sergey Latyshev
  In the world, few aircraft engines are produced, it is necessary to have one more, and then develop one more ...
  
  The main thing here is that these engines should be OWN. We have many projects without power plants vegetate.
  1. Sergey Latyshev
    
    0
    
    20 May 2020 13: 13
    
    The main thing here is to be.
    Many countries produce simply under license, if NECESSARY. And if five years there, five years here, to throw money from the budget, then yes, you can wait for your ....
    1. Brancodd
      
      +4
      
      20 May 2020 16: 34
      
      No one gives a license for the hot part (gas generator). And in general, on engines. Embraer is completely dependent on GE engines. If restrictions on the supply of engines are introduced, the activities of airlines will be paralyzed. And everything goes to such a situation.
      Only 4 companies produce dual-circuit jet engines. Among them, only one is French. The rest are Anglo-Saxon. German and Japanese companies are not among them. Do not let. They tried a joint venture with the French. Burned. Frank sabotage to correct airline complaints. The inability to influence the price of the engine and, as a result, the price of the entire aircraft is high. As you know, the cost of two engines is about 30-40% of the cost of the aircraft.
      Now we’ll make our PD-10, the benefit of PD-14 is already ready and really showed good results.
      We will also make PD-35 for a heavy transporter and possibly a wide-body passenger.
      We will certainly, despite the lamentations of professional whiners. Let them whine, they have such a job ...
      1. Sergey Latyshev
        
        0
        
        20 May 2020 16: 56
        
        Thanks, clearly explained.
    2. 123
      
      +1
      
      21 May 2020 15: 57
      
      The main thing here is to be.
      Many countries produce simply under license, if NECESSARY. And if five years there, five years here, to throw money from the budget, then yes, you can wait for your ....
      
      Thanks for the interesting information. Who exactly produces aircraft engines under license?
Natan bruk

-2

20 May 2020 20: 36

No PDs will help here, which, by the way, while everyone is preparing for release and mass production has so far only been proclaimed. It's all about disgusting service and logistics. In Boeing and Airbus, by contrast, it is set up and works like a clock.
1. Brancodd
  
  +2
  
  21 May 2020 12: 52
  
  Boing-737 MAX will not help any service and logistics. Service and logistics are generally powerless if the 1969 glider ran out of modernization. In a niche of medium-haul aircraft, Boing fell off and did not return there until he made a completely new project. In the current situation, Boing is almost impossible.
  1. Natan bruk
    
    -1
    
    21 May 2020 20: 52
    
    What nonsense. Boeing 737 (both NG and Classic), as well as the Airbus A-320, are the most widespread medium-range aircraft in the world and nothing is changing here. But 737MAX before the end of the year in any case goes on the line. So, at first it would be nice to study the materiel so as not to disgrace.
    1. isofat
      
      0
      
      21 May 2020 22: 47
      
      Boeng, in an effort to outflank its competitors, disregarded safety and put on the market a "raw" and unfinished plane. Now pays for haste. Loss of reputation for Boeng can be fatal for the company. Reputation is gained over the years, but you can lose it in one moment.
    2. Brancodd
      
      +1
      
      22 May 2020 00: 17
      
      For the first time in seven years, Boeing has not received a single commercial order for the month on its more recently sold best ship. In March, the corporation was unable to sell a single new Boeing-737 Max model, writes The Wall Street Journal.
      In March, it became known that the Indonesian airline Garuda asked to cancel an order of almost $ 5 billion for the supply of 49 Boeing-737 Max 8 aircraft, as passengers lost confidence in this model after two air crashes with its participation over the past six months. The company was ready to consider replacing this type of aircraft with a contract for the supply of other modifications.
      1. Natan bruk
        
        -1
        
        22 May 2020 07: 49
        
        Boeing 737 NG and Classic, by far the most common medium-haul aircraft in the world. He has approximate equality with Airbus-320. Maybe comparable to the Superjet? MAX is just one of the models. Which before the end of the year returns to the market.
        
        Brancodd
        
        0
        
        22 May 2020 15: 33
        
        Airbus A320 crashed in Pakistan was produced 15 years ago.
        A preliminary cause of the disaster was a technical malfunction
        
        TASS, May 22. Pakistan International Airlines' Airbus A320, which crashed near Karachi, was produced 15 years ago. This was announced on Friday by the Flightradar24 portal.
        
        The plane flying from Lahore crashed near Karachi before landing. A preliminary cause of the disaster was a technical malfunction.
        
        According to the published list of passengers, there were 51 men, 31 women and 9 minor children, as well as 7 crew members on board.
        
        As a result of the incident, several residential buildings were destroyed, about 20 local residents were saved from the collapsed buildings. At the crash site, rescuers and the military are working.
        
        Brancodd
        
        0
        
        24 May 2020 23: 41
        
        This aircraft is designed by clowns, who, in turn, are under the supervision of monkeys.
        
        https://www.rbc.ru/business/10/01/2020/5e180ab19a794778166d3bd8